See ya, Maria!
It’s time for Maria to hand back her SADD car keys. Before she does though, she wanted to share what she’s loved about working for SADD.
As some of you may know, I came to SADD on a fixed-term contract. My job was to deliver the programme to the area between South Auckland and the Far North. Sadly, the time has come for me to hand in my SADD car keys and leave the metropolis of Auckland. But before I do, I wanted to share with you some of the things that made this more than just a job.
Best bits:
Conference! Honestly, what an amazing opportunity to meet so many passionate young people - three times over! Plus I got to dance my way into the disco as Dipsy from the Teletubbies! I danced so much I actually split my pants without realising!
“Cream pie your teacher!” When the Kaitaia College SADD committee told me they were running a “cream pie your teacher” activity as a fundraising initiative. I thought the idea was so great I used it as an activity example during my assembly talks. Teachers at other schools started getting nervous.
Scooter gang! For their SADD Awareness Week the year 13s at ACG Strathallan brought their scooters, bikes and skateboards to school and ran races in the quad. Then I got to have a go! Fun times!
Road side piggies! While driving to Panguru along a dusty gravel road I spotted a family of pigs. I had to pull over and say hello! So cute!
The Great Cardboard Car Race: Getting to watch the Tauraroa Area School’s annual SADD tradition. Five year-olds being dragged along in cardboard boxes while tackling different challenges is something you need to see for yourself! That was a hilarious afternoon!
Art piece: I was really stoked to see the art piece that Albany Senior High’s SADD committee made in time for SAFER September. The message was really strong and students took the time to stop and have a look while walking to class. Well done ASHS!
What I’ve learned:
Students are smarter than me. We have a super smart generation of young people about to approach the workforce, and I’m excited to see what they’ll achieve!
How to use the saying #yeet! In fact, after learning of its existence, I’ve been using it in most situations.
SADD is more than just a road safety charity. It’s a platform for young people to really use their voice and stand up for what they believe in! It’s a place for students to also make new friends and meet people in their community.
Community partners want to help you! Yes, they really like what SADD committees are doing and want to be a part of it. They value students’ opinions!
There is a small yet passionate team of people running SADD. They all want to do what’s best for our young people, and it’s been so awesome to work with this team - even if it was for a short while.
I’ll miss the students I’ve met. I’m not just saying that! Hanging out with you guys has been so rewarding.
What’s my take on road safety?
Road safety is more than just how we use the road. To me, it’s a frame of mind. It can take time for people to change their mind-set, which is why I think consistency of positive road safety messaging is key! It’s so important to keep the conversation going and extending that conversation to as many people as possible.
Final message:
A big thank you to everyone who I have met during my travels over the last seven months. Hanging out with students has made me feel like a kid again. You guys are doing some amazing work out there and I look forward to tracking what you get up to. Oh, and good luck with exams! #yeet
THANKS MARIA FOR AN AWESOME 6 MONTHS WITH SADD! YOU WILL BE MISSED!
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